Page 43 of Flowers Go Flying in Crumbleton
Popping the key into the lock, Milly opened the door and made the usual dash for the alarm. She needed to get Jo inside before the girl had the chance to twig that she was hiding something. Or – in this case - someone.
‘Okay, let’s get this show on the road!’ said Milly, re-emerging and rubbing her hands together.
‘Urgh – you’re far too perky for this time in the morning, especially considering we haven’t done the coffee run yet,’ grumbled Jo. She shrugged out of her red jacket with its line of silver military buttons to reveal a pair of sunflower dungarees underneath. ‘What’s with you, anyway?’
‘I’m high on life,’ said Milly. ‘And on that note - your dungarees…’
‘Ah maaaan!’ whined Jo. ‘I’m wearing my staff top underneath – see?’ She tugged at the pink collar.
‘Uh-huh?’ said Milly, raising an eyebrow.
‘And I chose them because they’re themed!’ said Jo. ‘Who wouldn’t want to buy flowers from a florist covered from head to toe in sunflowers?’
Milly cocked her head, then stared down at her own pale pink polo shirt that she was wearing over a pair of neat – and stupendously boring - jeans.
‘What?’ said Jo. ‘You’re looking mad. Not angry-mad… nutso-mad.’
‘I just think… you might be right,’ said Milly slowly.
‘Hold the phone, what’s that now?’ said Jo, peering around the shop with her hand cupped theatrically to one ear. ‘Damnit – there were no witnesses!’
‘Haha, very funny!’ said Milly, looking her trainee up and down again. Jo looked vibrant and quirky. ‘You do look amazing, though. You’ve inspired me. Maybe it’s time for a new staff dress code.’
‘Oh yeah?’ said Jo, her eyes lighting up. ‘Like what?’
Milly pointed at Jo’s dungarees. ‘Flowers. And fun. And colour.’
‘I like it!’ said Jo.
‘But when we make deliveries – we’ll still have to wear the polos.’
‘They’re so boring, though,’ said Jo, wrinkling her nose. ‘No offence! But, wouldn’t it be better to have something that set us apart a bit?’
‘Any suggestions?’ said Milly.
‘Embroidered denim jackets!’ said Jo. ‘Or… oh I know… remember those jackets the Pink Ladies wear in Grease? But with Milly’s Flowers on them instead - maybe highlighted with a funky, swirly, floral design that looks a bit like a tattoo?’
‘Sold!’ said Milly. ‘I love it. I always wanted to be a Pink Lady.’
Jo narrowed her eyes at her again and Milly cocked her head. ‘What?’
‘You’re… different,’ she said. ‘I can’t put my finger on it.’
‘Just make the most of it!’ said Milly with a grin.
‘Okay – how about a raise?’ said Jo, doing her best to look innocent and failing miserably.
‘How about we re-visit that when your buttonholes don’t disintegrate five minutes after you’ve made them?’ countered Milly.
‘Deal!’ said Jo. ‘Right, shall I get coffees now or…?
‘Erm… not sure,’ said Milly, glancing out of the window and then trying to hide it by staring hard at the order pad next to the till.
‘What’s going on?!’ said Jo.
‘Nothing… I… nothing…’ said Milly, racking her brain.
‘Spit it out, young lady!’ said Jo, crossing her arms.
